INCONVENIENT SERVICE

It is never convenient.

My phone buzzed just as I had crawled back into my bed, fresh coffee on the side table and my journal in hand. My neighbour was asking if I was awake and I knew this meant she needed my help. I let out a frustrated sigh and looked at my comfy bed, my ready-to-go journal and my hot coffee. This was not a convenient time – but helping others is rarely convenient.

We see this in the life of Jesus. As He went about His ministry, there were a number of times Jesus was on His way somewhere and He was stopped by someone who needed Him. And His response every single time was ‘Yes’, no matter how inconvenient it might have been. 

I got out of bed that morning and went to help my neighbour but, if I’m honest, I did it grudgingly. As the morning wore on, I found those grudging feelings started to dissipate and I ended up finding that the time spent in service to my friend actually felt pretty good. It turned out not to be as inconvenient as I first thought.

I think this is why Jesus models so well for us the art of being inconvenienced. Every time He allowed the needs of others to cut across His day, it always resulted in healing, freedom and joy. Look for the moments you may be inconvenienced: they will be some of your biggest opportunities to see the love of Jesus at work.

written by NERI MORRIS